National Heroes Insignia

The 2016 National Heroes Day commemorative insignia symbolises the significance of agriculture to the Cayman Islands.

Each year the Heroes Day insignia receives a new design to reflect the changing theme of the event, which will be held on Monday, 25 January and will spotlight agriculture.

Created through collaboration between the National Heroes Day Committee, the National Archives and Government Information Services, the insignia will be presented to recipients of the early pioneer, and pioneer, awards in agriculture.

Made from metal and enamel, it is an emblem of honour, intended to be pinned to clothing and worn at special occasions.

“Each year, we design an insignia which is historically meaningful to the Cayman Islands and the theme of National Heroes Day,” said Meloney Syms from government’s Protocol office, which organises the event. ”This time we are honouring those in agriculture so it is only fitting that we have designed the insignia to reflect our farming heritage.”

Significant features of this year’s insignia include “rows” which represent plantations known locally as “grounds”; a groundsman and girl, which represent early farming pioneers; and a thatch hut, thatch baskets and hats, which highlight the importance of this Cayman Islands’ native tree to agriculture and daily life in days gone by.

Other features include a donkey which was an animal important to farmers as a beast of burden; a water drop to show the importance of fresh water for farmers on islands with no rivers or lakes; and the ladybird beetle which combats destructive mealybugs and helps protect crops.

Clouds and banana suckers/trees represent the three islands; the double helix is symbolic of the role that science plays in agriculture; while red and blue are the national colours of the Cayman Islands.

A souvenir booklet with full explanations of the design features is placed in the presentation box given to recipients.

The commemorative insignia was created by graphic designer Kara Coe, art director Charles Gilman and writer Lennon Christian, all of Government Information Services.

A commemorative poster highlighting the history of agriculture in the Cayman Islands will also be issued to attendees at the National Heroes Day celebrations.

For more information on National Heroes Day 2016, contact the Protocol office on 244-3612 or nationalevents@gov.ky.